Guided tour to experience a day in the life of Dominicans

Saona Island Highlights Tour by Boat with Buffet Lunch

Total relaxation awaits on this full day cruise to Saona Island's dazzling shores. You'll explore this tropical daydream Caribbean Isle, soaking up the sun and the vibrant colours while you stroll along palm-shaded beaches. First up is a coastal tour of Cotubanama National Park, then you'll stop at a natural pool for a dip before heading to the beach for lunch and free time. Ramon, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Our priority is to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make Saona so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on the island, too.'After a relaxing cruise over to Saona, the sightseeing can begin in earnest. You'll cruise the shoreline of the Cotubanama National Park while your local guide points out the island wildlife. See the rocks of El Peñón, and then glide through the Catuano channel. Next, it's time to cool off in the azure water of the natural pools, formed by sandbanks in the open sea. The water is such a tempting shade of blue you won't be able to resist.Docking at one of Saona Island's fabulous beaches, you'll step off the boat for some beach time. There's the Caribbean for paddling, soft white sand to dip your toes in, and a volleyball pitch to play on. Or you could take the simplest option and just stretch out in the sun. After your tasty buffet lunch is served, there's more free time to enjoy the magical setting.

Saona Island Cruise with Private Beach and Lunch

Pure relaxation awaits on this trip to Saona Island. It's an Insta picture-perfect paradise – covered in exotic flora, with softly swaying palm trees, powder white sands and clear waters. What's more, lunch and drinks are included and there's an exclusive beach area reserved just for you.

Punta Cana Evening Buggy Tour with Dominican Dinner

This experience has adventure stamped all over it. Off-road buggy or safari truck rides, traditional Taino ceremonies and swimming in underground pools make for an adrenaline-pumping evening from Punta Cana. Juan, one of our local guides, says ‘Caves and cenotes played an important role in the indigenous Taino culture. Despite looking so tempting with their cool aquamarine water, the Taino people never swam in the cenotes or used the water because of their belief that they were a gateway to the underworld.' Plus, you'll enjoy a Dominican dinner and an open bar followed by live music.To kick off your all-action evening, you'll power through the Dominican countryside, zoom along dirt tracks and watch as the landscape transforms from day to night. Guided by torchlight, you'll continue your journey to take a swim in a natural cave pool, known as a cenote, with atmospheric lighting. And if you choose the safari truck option, you'll also get to visit the eerie depths of Yara Cave.With flaming torches lighting the way, you'll make your way back to base for a well-earned drink and a tasty dinner of local cuisine. The restaurant staff pride themselves on creating classic Dominican dishes, freshly prepared with seasonal produce from the island. Rounding off the evening is a traditional Taino dance show and the chance to join in with a boogie or enjoy the open bar under the stars.

Anamuya Mountains Small Group Walking Tour

Take a walk on the wild side with a tour of the Dominican Republic's rugged Anamuya Mountains. See a snapshot of rural life as shown to you by an in-the-know local. Alex, one of our expert guides, says, ‘I'm a native and have been guiding tours here for more than 10 years. You'll learn about local history, plants and crops, and get to try home-grown coffee and fruit, too.'Fun facts, exotic wildlife and the chance to take a river swim – this tour has it all. After pick-up from your hotel, we'll head deep into the Dominican outback. And because we'll visit the less-travelled parts of the country, it helps support areas that don't usually benefit from tourism. What's more, you'll be part of a small group of just 16 guests, minimising our carbon footprint. ‘It's a great way to get in touch with nature and give back to the rural community,' says Alex. Rolling through the forest-carpeted countryside, we'll arrive at a ranch, where we begin with complimentary drinks and the lowdown on the day ahead.Set off trekking through luxuriant, peaked landscapes as your friendly guide shows you around. You'll meet the locals and taste locally grown seasonal products – from farm to fork, it doesn't get much fresher. Be sure to keep an eye out for rare plants, birds and wildlife, too. Being part of this experience is a boost to wildlife conservation efforts in the region. Finally, we'll head to the River Anamuya, where you can cool off with a well-earned swim and a thirst-quenching coconut water.

Terracross Tour of the Countryside from Punta Cana

There are few better ways to see the unspoilt Dominican countryside than a Terracross safari. You'll drive through winding rural dirt tracks through plantations all the way to the famous Domitai Cave Park and a replica Taino village. Luis, one of our local guides, says, ‘We are the world's largest producer of organic, fair trade cocoa. Around half of our cocoa is made into the finest chocolate you can buy. So, trying traditional cocoa products in a Dominican farm is a real treat, even if you don't have a sweet tooth.'Kick off with some mud-splattered, high-octane fun as you ride cross-country to a cenote cave for a swim in the Domitai Cave Park. These sinkholes with clear, fresh water are perfect for a cooling dip. As it's a private venue, there are fewer crowds and vendors than at other cenotes. You'll also get to savour some local specialities such as empanadas and pineapple wine. Next, drop by a recreated Taino village – they were the aborigines who lived on the island before Columbus arrived – where you'll observe a folkloric show.Plus, you'll learn all about the production of local crops which are so critical to the local economy – coconut oil, sugarcane, coffee and chocolate as well as the unique Dominican chocolate tea. During your visit you'll have the chance to try some of these local products, along with the national tipple, mamajuana. Overall, a great close-up view of the Dominican countryside and local culture – on a thrilling Terracross safari.

Santo Domingo City Tour with a Local Guide and Dominican Lunch

Santo Domingo is brimming with architectural and historical gems. You'll discover the capital city's highlights and it colonial zone on this exclusive excursion. Highlights include the cathedral, the Alcazar de Colon and a 4D cinema experience recounting a privateer sack of the city.

Higuey and River Yuma Tour with Lunch and Voodoo Show

Sugarcane, sacred shrines, a riverboat trip and even a voodoo show. This exclusive excursion has a bit of everything that makes the Dominican Republic such a fascinating country. Expect to meet plenty of locals and explore the wild landscapes on either side of the River Yuma during this breathless full day tour.

Xploration Animal Encounters Tour with a Local Guide

This half-day trip has family fun stamped all over it. You'll venture out to Xploration Animal Park where you can hop on a panoramic bus tour or wander at your own pace. There's even some interaction with the farm animals, and plenty of lookout points to cast your eyes over the landscapes of the Dominican Republic.

Higuey Tour with Local Lunch in a Family Home

This snapshot of Dominican life beyond the Coconut Coast has all the makings for a great day out. A sugarcane plantation and a cigar-rolling demonstration are just some of the highlights. But the star turn of the day has got to be lunch in a local family's home. As Ramon, one of our local guides, says, ‘I'm always proud to show off my heritage through our food. Like the island itself, Dominican cuisine has been influenced by Taino, Spanish and African flavours. There's even a hint of the Middle East in some dishes. You'll see, smell and taste a whole new side to our country.'We kick off early, with a trip to Higuey to see the famous Altagracia Basilica – a pilgrimage site because of its miraculous image of Our Lady. Then, make sure to have your camera at the ready as we take a scenic drive through rustic villages, on our way to the next stop – a coconut oil producer. You'll also visit a sugarcane plantation for a rum tasting session and watch a cigar-rolling demonstration with a master of his craft.After such a busy morning, you'll be ready for your lunch. Greeted by a Dominican family, you'll be welcomed into their home for a feast of typical dishes made with locally sourced produce. You'll also get to see the family's farm and coffee plantation, and taste freshly grown cocoa and fruit. We'll round the day of exploration with some time to relax in natural surroundings and maybe enjoy a swim.

Los Haitises National Park Tour with Beachside Lunch

If paradise islands and nature are your thing, then this three-in-one exclusive tour is a must-do. You'll journey into the mountains, caves and villages of Cayo Levantado, Los Haitises National Park and Redonda Mountain – a 100% Dominican experience.